A teenage cheerleader from California reportedly jumped to her death just weeks after performing on “America’s Got Talent.” It was apparently a suicide.
The body of 17-year-old Emily Gold was found under an overpass in Rancho Cucamonga shortly before midnight on Friday. Authorities believe it was a suicide, the Daily Mail reported.
Before it was recovered, it was run over several times, including by a vehicle that did not stop, the California Highway Patrol told the outlet.
Her death comes one month after her Los Osos High School cheerleading squad performed in the quarterfinals of NBC’s reality competition show “America’s Got Talent.”
Gold and her teammates wowed the judges, including Simon Cowell, who gave them a rare standing ovation after their audition in May.
“The time we spent together will never be enough,” Gold’s brother Alex wrote in an Instagram post. “Without you, half of my heart is lost… Rest in heaven Emily Gold, for this will always be your world.”
The dancer’s friends, community members and fans have donated more than $26,000 to a GoFundMe page set up Sunday to support her Gold family.
“Let’s come together as a community and support the Gold family during this difficult time. Please know that this money goes directly to the family to support them and help with expenses,” wrote page organizer Jeanette Fierro.
